1989 Dodge Raider timing chain worn out, 4 cylinder?

Question

Bought a 1989 Dodge Raider and it rattles in the engine when it is idleing, A mechanic said it is the timing chain and not worth fixing just drive it until it goes completely then buy a different motor? Is it hard to repalce the chain? Does the head have to be pulled

Answer 1

I doubt it is the timing chain. More than likely it is the valves themselves, the seats wear out, and the lifters wear, so eventually the lifters don't pump up as full as they should, so it causes a gap between it and the valve, so it slaps the valve, also the seats wear, so the valve is kinda loose, so that causes a gap between it and the rocker shaft, so you get another slap. If the chain wore out enough to be hitting the block or front cover, you would be having timing issues because it would have to be pretty loose. You may also have a failing oil pump, so it is not suppling the right pressure, which is why you hear it at idle, because under load the pressure goes up and as I said it pumps up the lifter. This guy is a joke if he told you just to drive it till it blows, which would cause significant damage, Then you have to buy a what? use motor for $600 that is no better off than what you got? Then pay someone like this idiot $500 to install it? Right now you could probably rebuild the engine for about $600, and have a brand new fresh motor for your truck. The chain is not too difficult, you can do it in the car, but would be much easier out of it. The head doesn't have to be removed to do it, but you do have to take off the timing cover, which can be a pain, and possibly the water pump, all the engine pulleys, alternator, etc. So thats why I suggested pulling the motor. And, when it is pulled, it would be a great time to freshin it up with new pistons, rings, bearings, have the block done and rebuild the head.

Answer 2

From what your mechanic said, i am assuming your car is not in very good condition, or it has other mechanical problems. Timing chain and timing gear sets are replaced all the time. Most all will involve pulling all the belts, pulleys, fan blade, if not electric, alternator, A/C, water pump etc.
Although it is not a very expensive repair parts wise, it could be a bit time consuming if you have never attempted it before. A Chiltons Manual at about $25 would be a good investment on the repair of your vehicle.
If the car engine does not burn oil or has major oil leakage, gets good fuel economy, and appears in good condition in the other areas, i would suggest doing the repair. If nothing else, I would ask for a second appinion.
Good Luck!

Answer 3

Get A Chiltons Mechanix book on your make and model car from the Library to find out for yourself. I replaced mine every winter because it was located behind the water pump and fairly easy to get to. It was also a dodge engine, but a v-8.

Answer 4

It does have a belt. The Camry Hybrid wasn't available until 2007.